The first product designed, developed, and launched for Courser is the Uno. It is both a proof of concept and the result of 18 months of experimentation and refinement. This shoe proved we could create a viable mixture of luxury materials and craftsmanship with performance technology and construction. There were many challenges to this, not only on the design side, but sourcing and production as well, as no one was producing a product like this in Italy. It was very much unique in its concept.
The Design
There were a couple initial goals for the Uno:
Design relevant sneaker on a running silhouette with its own unique design language, not derivative from anything currently on the market, with the potential to not only carry a brand as its flagship product, but serve as a future classic style. It needed to be both desirable and fresh.
Aside from the luxury craftsmanship, the Uno needed at least 3 points of performance technology not found in luxury footwear that would set it apart from its competition and make for a compelling story about the make up of the shoe. It needed built in headlines of what it could do.
There were many iterations to get to the final design.
The Components
The 3 points of performance technology we settled on for the Uno were:
A carbon fiber plate. Used in high end competition running shoes, carbon fiber plates are a rigid layer of woven carbon placed in the midsole of the shoe to improve energy return and propel the athlete forward. We used an engineered plate that would remain flexible for everyday walking and stiffen up when engaged at higher speeds. Another benefit to a carbon fiber plate is the reduction of potential injury by stabilizing the ankle joint and relieving pressure on the calves.
Bio-Based Dyneema. The challenge to use high end leather in the upper while reducing thickness and making the shoe as lightweight as possible was a difficult one. Dyneema is the world's strongest fiber. 15x stronger than steel, yet is can float on water. By fusing it as a backer to a 0.5mm thick skin of soft nubuck leather it allowed us to keep the Uno lightweight, strong, and incredibly durable.
Proprietary PU foam midsole. The Uno midsole is far lighter than typical midsoles produced in Italy, with greater energy return and a durable skin to protect it from the elements and make it easily cleanable. It is comparable in weight to EVA midsoles, but is far more resistant to breakdown over time, allowing you to enjoy the same comfortable ride as the day you took it out of the box.
Engineered Carbon Fiber Plate
Bio Based Dyneema
PU Foam Midsole
